Organizations and policymakers have recently expressed concern that the presence of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the bloodstreams of Americans could somehow affect the potential effectiveness and duration of covid-19 vaccines.

Detailed scientific research has not been conducted on these fears. Rather, these claims are based on speculation and guesswork. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stated that the studies currently underway or in the planning stages to evaluate these issues as people receive the vaccines are not big enough for definitive answers on the effectiveness questions. 

Dr. Phillipe Grandjean, who led a study on PFAS exposure and diminished response to tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations, has also expressed questions about the covid-19 vaccines—yet, even he stated that conclusive evidence of a diminished effect on the covid-19 vaccine “is an unknown at this stage.” 

“Efforts to spread disinformation about the impact of exposure to PFAS and the effectiveness of the covid-19 vaccine will only spur unnecessary panic among millions of Americans and undermine public trust,” said Center for Truth in Science President and CEO Joseph Annotti. “There are many issues about the vaccine to be researched, not the least of which are the impact on children and pregnant women.  All of them—PFAS included—should be studied in an independent, objective, and unbiased way over a length of time that produces results we can trust. Until then, we should avoid speculation that could cause undue harm.”

The Center for Truth in Science: Seeking integrity in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.